(Kebra KEBCD001) Pleasant UK reggae from Therlow Snape and his band, addressing a variety of concerned and religious themes, neatly produced and packaged (full lyrics) but perhaps a little reined in on the energy edge.

STAFFORD POST – THURSDAY 21ST MAY 1998

‘TSAGAZAHAB OF CONNECTING ROUTES’

The Stafford Post has a reggae pack to give away to celebrate Connecting Routes playing at the Gatehouse Theatre.

Therlow Snape and his band will be bringing the traditional drum and bass sounds involved in the Caribbean music of kings.

But they also claim to have influences ranging from jazz to soul, creating a final sound that will appeal to all.

We have a T-shirt, CDs, stickers and a pair of tickets for the performance next Thursday to give away. To be in with a chance simply be the very first person to turn up at the Stafford Post office on Friday 22nd May and say ‘Connecting Routes’.

If you are not the lucky winner tickets priced £3.50 are available from the box office on (01785) 254653.

MUSIC VIEWED/REVIEWED – 30TH APRIL – 6TH MAY

‘CONNECTING ROUTES’ – Personality

Commercially accessible reggae that is both soothing and uplifting. Musical reminiscent of Aswad, yet without the blandness. The brilliant soulful guitar work on ‘Personality’ makes it one of the most relaxing pieces of music ever written. You could just imagine sitting on a sun-kissed Caribbean beach with a huge spliff in one hand and a bottle of Malibu in the other. Sheer perfection.

See them at the May Ball!! (by Jim Kharma)

STAFFORD GATEHOUSE – FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 1999

‘CONNECTING ROUTES’

Reggae is one of the most progressive music styles in the world today. Tsagazahab and his band ‘Connecting Routes’ bring reggae to Stafford Gatehouse with an exciting line up of work, re-stating this popular form of Caribbean music.

An evening of musical delight, we defy you to sit still!

Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £5.00 (£3.50) Venue: Stafford Gatehouse

CHILDREN IN FOCUS – SUMMER 1993

‘REGGAE ROUTES’

Two Birmingham reggae bands ‘Connecting Routes’ and ‘Israel Movements’ have raised over £650 for the Children’s Society.

The band members who, through their songs, speak out against injustice, decided to put their money where their mouths were and donated the proceeds of their concert to the Society.

Raj Aggarwal, who promotes both bands, was pleased with the evening and the high turn out. "It was a good concert and we had managed to let enough people know about it," he said.

‘Connecting Routes’ comprises of Therlow Snape, Kenneth McLean, Carl Nugent and Neville King. They sing, amongst other things, about prostitution and life in Handsworth, Birmingham where the band is based.

TIME OUT WITH STAFFORDSHIRE NEWSLETTER – FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 1994

‘REGGAE PLUS FREE GIFT’

A DOUBLE treat is in the pipeline for Stafford’s reggae fans. Major reggae force ‘Connecting Routes’ makes a welcome return to the town next week – and are offering a free T-shirt to punters who snap up tickets in advance.

"The only reason they are doing it is because the people of Stafford have been so supportive of the band", a spokesman said.

‘They’ve played here four times now already and have always had a great reception.

The Brummie-based outfit take to the stage at Stafford’s Whiteley Building on December 2, but anyone who buys a ticket in advance from Fair Price Records in Stafford’s Market will get a free T-shirt.

The band, which prides itself on songs with a message – including

anti-drug Say No and anti-prostitution Soliciting Street – will be supported by Melody.

‘EN ROUTE TO RHYTHM’

The reggae sounds of ‘Connecting Routes’ can be heard in Stafford next Friday 2nd December at the Whiteley Building.

Lead singer Therlow Snape and the band promise to lift your spirits as they draw you and the audience into a web of tales and rhythmic sounds.

The band recently appeared at the Caribbean Carnival and have just completed a major European Tour.

Support comes from Melody and doors open at 8pm. Tickets are £3.50 in and advance and £4.00 on the door and are available from Fair Price Records in the Market Hall.

STAFFORD POST – THURSDAY 20TH MAY 1993

‘ROCK STEADY’

Tickets are still on sale for a charity concert being held next week featuring top Birmingham band ‘Connecting Routes’ and support ‘Israel Movements’.

The concert is being held on Saturday 22nd May in Stafford College Whiteley Building, Earl Street, starting at 8.30pm to raise cash for the Children’s Society.

Tickets for the concert are £2.50, available in advance from Raj Music, Fair Price Records in Stafford Market.

Typed by Marie Wright.